ABSTRACT
As the world contends with the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific expertise has permeated political discourse and the phrase 'following the science' is being used to build trust and justify government decision-making. This phrase reflects a problematic assumption that there is one objective science to follow and that the use of scientific knowledge in decision-making is inherently neutral. In this article, we examine more closely the dense and intricate relationships, values, politics, and interests that determine whose knowledge counts, who gets to speak, who is spoken for, and with what consequences, in the translation of scientific knowledge. Drawing key insights from Stengers' Manifesto for Slow Science, we argue that implementation science has a central role to play in problematising the historic dominance of certain voices and institutional structures that have come to symbolise trust, rigour, and knowledge. Yet to date, implementation science has tended to overlook these economic, social, historical, and political forces. Fraser's conception of social justice and Jasanoff's 'technologies of humility' are introduced as useful frameworks to extend the capacity of implementation science to engage the broader public as an 'intelligent public' in the translation of knowledge, during and beyond the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Research exploring the benefits of humor for caregivers is limited and, to date, no qualitative studies have explored the role of humor in brain cancer caregiving. To address this gap, we analyzed transcripts from twenty-one in-depth telephone interviews conducted with brain cancer caregivers from a strengths perspective. Thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke's method revealed that humor functions as (1) an innate element of the self and relationship, (2) an expression of mutual connection and understanding, (3) a way of managing difficult or awkward moments, (4) a form of avoidance or a welcome distraction, and may be (5) helpful, or unhelpful, depending on where someone is in the brain cancer trajectory. Findings suggest that humor represents an important yet complex individual and family strength for health service providers to identify and build upon.
Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms , Laughter , Brain Neoplasms/therapy , Caregivers , Humans , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
Expanding on the limited work in supportive care for friends and family caregivers of adults with a primary brain tumour, this review sought to examine all available evidence since 2010 on the efficacy and feasibility of supportive interventions for this population including non-controlled studies. A systematic review of the literature was conducted on the feasibility and effectiveness/efficacy of supportive interventions for brain cancer caregivers in line with PRISMA guidelines. 13 studies met the eligibility criteria and were identified for inclusion. Most interventions employed tailored psychoeducation, and expert involvement via psychotherapy or care coordination. Only two interventions demonstrated clinically significant improvements. Findings indicate that dyadic yoga programs, and programs that enhance caregiver mastery to manage patient behavioural problems, may lead to improvements in some clinical outcomes. Results highlight the diverse nature of supportive interventions and indicate that support for primary brain tumour caregivers is currently suboptimal. Our findings illustrate an overall low certainty of evidence, with a need for more adequately powered randomised controlled trials. As the complexities of brain cancer care-giving are an obstacle to standardised interventions, this review underscores the need for future trials to incorporate complimentary qualitative research methodologies.